HC Deb 06 May 1987 vol 115 cc456-7W
Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what directions he has given to the London residuary body since its establishment.

Mr. Chope

A formal direction under the provisions of section 78(1) of the Local Government Act 1985 regarding the presentation of the statement of its accounts for 1985–86 was issued to the London residuary body on 26 July 1986.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will call for a report from the London residuary body about the delay in determining the detriment payments to the 388 eligible staff from the Greater London council; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chope

I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member on 23 March 1987 at column62.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue a direction to the London residuary body requiring it to give Three Rivers district council first refusal on Oxley playing fields.

Mr. Chope

No. I understand that negotiations between the London residuary body and the Three Rivers district council are in progress.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the practice in respect of offering to the authority within which it is located land currently held by the London residuary body outside the Greater London area before offers are sought; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chope

This is a matter for the London residuary body.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many meetings have taken place in the past 12 months between officials of his Department and representatives of the London residuary body.

Mr. Chope

No central record is kept of meetings between officials of this Department and officers of the London residuary body, but it is estimated that some five to 10 meetings take place each month.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many meetings have taken place in the past 12 months between Ministers and members of the London residuary body.

Mr. Chope

Ministers of this Department have had 18 meetings of a formal nature with members of the London residuary body since 1 May 1986.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has of sums still outstanding to the London residuary body in respect of all Government grants to the Greater London council.

Mr. Chope

There are outstanding entitlements to various Government grants in respect of the GLC's activities prior to abolition.

In the process of closing the GLC's 1985–86 accounts LRB has estimated the amounts of Government grants receivable. These entitlements and arrangements for payment are the subject of discussions between LRB and the respective Government Departments.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will provide a breakdown of the capital receipts cash entitlements made by the London residuary body to rating authorities by 31 March 1987.

Mr. Chope

I refer the hon. Gentleman to table C of the answer I gave my hon. Friend, the Member for Ealing, North, (Mr. Greenway) on 23 February 1987 at columns92–94.